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South Carolina Probate Guide

County-specific probate court contacts, filing fees, required forms, and step-by-step estate settlement guidance for executors in South Carolina.

Find Your County

Types of Probate in South Carolina

South Carolina offers several probate procedures depending on estate value and circumstances.

Most Common

Formal Probate

Court-supervised administration for estates that do not qualify for a shortcut.

Timeline
6-12+ months
Attorney
Recommended
Simplified

Simplified Probate

A shorter court process that may be available for qualifying estates.

Timeline
Varies
Attorney
Recommended
Small Estates

Small Estate Procedure

A limited shortcut for qualifying small estates.

Timeline
Varies
Attorney
Optional

South Carolina Estate Law Overview

South Carolina Estate Tax Info

South Carolina has no app-modeled state estate tax or inheritance tax in this scaffold.

No
State Estate Tax
No
Inheritance Tax
Yes
State Income Tax
Federal estate tax info

Federal estate tax only applies to estates exceeding $15,000,000 (2026).

Who Inherits Without a Will?

Rules for property distribution when someone dies without a valid will.

South Carolina Homestead Protection

Information about homestead protection laws.

Exempt Property

Certain property may be exempt from estate creditors.